Rep. Steve Rothman's health care dialog across the divide

HERB JACKSON / The RecordRep. Steve Rothman (D) explains why he is leaning toward supporting a health care bill before the House to a group that traveled from New Jersey and other states to protest against the bill. Rep. Steve Rothman got an earful when he agreed to meet with protestors from northern New Jersey who traveled to Washington, D.C., Thursday for a big rally against health care reform.

"They’re my constituents," he said. "Many want me to vote against this bill."

The Bergen County Democrat said he told the group that he supports universal health care. He’s had practice meeting with opponents on this issue, having held a series of town hall meetings in August that drew busloads of "tea party" members, many from outside his district.

"I’m used to boisterous give and take," Rothman said. "I believe it’s not only my duty to make myself accessible to answer questions, but to accept their criticisms and learn what’s on their mind."

It’s easy to write off those who disagree with us, and caricature them. Give Rothman credit for not giving up, despite the name-calling and misinformation that has marked much of the opposition to health care reform. He isn’t ceding the public square to the loudest voices — or trying to shout them down.

Rothman didn’t have any illusions about changing opinions, but said he might have dispelled some myths, especially about people being forced into a public option.

"With a public option — pay attention to the last word," he said, recounting his conversation with protestors just 50 feet from the Capitol steps. "People would have a menu of choices to choose from." Was anyone convinced? "Some eyes widened when I told them that," he said. "And some said ‘Thank you, we didn’t know that.’ "